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Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates all human rights advances
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for human rights in all individuals but specifically those of African-Americans. He made an impression in all people that will last for an eternity and forced many people to look at things differently.
The civil rights movement leader lived in a time where equality was far from tangible. African-American people were treated as degenerates, unfairly and unjustly. He wanted to change the way African-American people were treated and do so using passive actions. He used many of the passive resistance techniques that Gandhi had used in India.
The revolutionary led over 2,500 peaceful marches and protests and was named ‘Man of the Year’ in 1963 by “Time” magazine. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and decided to use the reward money to further the cause of the civil rights movement.
King was not only a leader of African-Americans, but was also regarded as a world figure. In 1968, while on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee about to lead a strike, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.
From that day, the entire nation has recognized the third Monday in January as a day to commemorate human rights advances. Not only are African-American rights celebrated, but the rights of all oppressed minorities are as well including the Chinese, Japanese, disabled, Mormons, Jewish, Latinos, Native Americans, Basques and women.
The State of Idaho and the Boise community began their commemorative celebrations after a 1989 Boise State student protest concerning the issue that the State of Idaho had yet to honor the federally recognized Martin Luther King, Jr. day as an important holiday. The students gathered in the center of the campus and demanded that Boise State University president John Keiser give a solution to the problem of Boise State not honoring the acclaimed ‘human rights’ holiday.
Keiser responded by promising there would be a full week of celebratory activities next year, including a march to the statehouse from the campus.
Since 1990, Boise State has been organizing a full week of activities including the march to the statehouse, documentary films, entertainment, exhibitions, rallies, lectures and more to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and human rights in the country.
This year, in the second floor Student Union Building art gallery, there is countless information about human rights in Idaho and across the nation. There is an informational poster about every minority that has gained rights in Idaho and also posters for the minorities that are still struggling. Information about how Idaho and Boise State have coped with human rights and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day can be found there as well.
The march to the statehouse took place yesterday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Those who participated gathered in the SUB and proceeded to the statehouse to rally for human rights.
Rev. Jesse Jackson will be speaking in the Taco Bell Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. For students, the event is free but tickets are necessary. The general public is also welcome and will be granted admission on a first come/first serve basis. The doors open at 6:00 p.m. The title of the Reverend’s lecture is “With Justice for All: Human Rights and Civil Rights a Reality”.
On Saturday, local charitable and non-profit agencies will be on the first floor of the SUB at 9 a.m. Everyone, including students, is welcome to assist these charitable and non-profit agencies in honor of Martin Luther King. A complimentary continental breakfast will also be provided.
Since King’s death in 1968, human rights have become much more tangible, not only for African-Americans but also for all races, religions, genders and nationalities.
MATTHEW BOYLE
Culture Writer
